“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.” Ephesians 2:17-22 NRSV

MIGRANT JOURNEY FROM CENTRAL AMERICA: A GUIDE TO SETTING UP AN INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

WHAT IS THE MIGRANT JOURNEY? The migrant journey is an interactive experience to learn about the factors driving people to flee their homes in the Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras) and seek refuge in the United States. As people go through the journey, they learn why children and families are fleeing from their homes and the obstacles they face finding protection in other countries, including the United States. The migrant journey is an experience that congregations (or any other group) can use to learn more about the perilous journey that children and families are making every day. Learn more.

In a holistic, whole church commitment by the ELCA, as a church in the world, AMMPARO was envisioned to accompany children today and in the future who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Explore AMMPARO resources.

LEARN ABOUT IMMIGRANTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

The American Immigration Council provides statistics regarding immigrants in each state. Much of Pennsylvania’s economy relies on the manufacturing industry, which benefits from the state’s growing immigrant population. Immigrants now make up over six percent of all residents and also account for a large share of the state’s entrepreneurs. Learn more.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), convened ELCA ecumenical and inter-religious partners in a statement addressing concerns over a recent U.S. government policy calling for more stringent enforcement of federal immigration laws. The statement was issued June 7, 2018.